CANADIAN BRIDGE

Declarer won the second heart and played off three rounds of diamonds on which West discarded two clubs. The queen of clubs was advanced and passed when East declined to cover. A club to the ace was followed by two more diamond winners on which West parted with two spades and the game finished down one, N-S -50. South's resolve to bid 2NT was too aggressive a stance, in my view. North's raise promised four-card support but the diamond suit must run for South to have any chance of success. Moreover, he could only hold up the ace of hearts once since he owned a doubleton. North would also be required to hold black suit strength for the game to be a viable proposition. The fact that the opponents were in the auction suggests that North will not display the values required for success. A diamond partscore yields ten tricks with the ace of spades and the king of clubs onside for a modest +130.

The nine - trick game is likely to be reached when South judges to open 1NT .This would not be a good choice with this pattern and a hand completely lacking in body. A NT contract should play better when declared by North. North may offer an invitation, in this scenario, and South will advance to game.